Screen cleaner and utensil container

ABSTRACT

A screen cleaning and utensil container shaped to simulate a consumer product package is provided. The screen cleaning and utensil container includes a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, the body forming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, the top wall forming a top opening in connection with the internal compartment and at least one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen is connected to a portion of the surface. The screen cleaning and utensil container may also include a securing mechanism for removably connecting the device from another object

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of officesupplies and more particularly to a shaped container adapted forcleaning a display screen and storing working utensils.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In almost every office, business and home setting writing pens,pencils, letter openers and other small “office” utensils are kept.These utensils are often found lying on working areas, in drawers or onthe floor. Some more discerning people purchase decorative mounted penand pencil sets and matching cup type utensil containers. For manyothers it is more convenient and economical to maintain their officeutensils in a coffee mug so that they can move the holder around theworking area as they spread working papers in the working area. It istherefore desired to provide a utensil container that can be maintainedconveniently proximate the work area without interfering with thespreading of working materials.

[0003] Many of these working areas, whether they are a defined officearea or home setting, include a computer or laptop having a monitor. Asthe availability of technology expands many other devices having displayscreens are becoming prevalent in work areas. These display screens mayvary in construction and type. For example, those commonly having aglass surface such as in many computer monitors and televisions, or aflat panel screens that are plastic-like or other material for providingthe display's active matrix screens and the like. Commonly, such displayscreens generally have an optical grade surface for providing minimallydistorted visual information.

[0004] As most users have realized, these display screens have atendency to collect dust due to location and/or static electricity.However, fewer and fewer display screens are being constructed ofmaterial such as the commonly known television grade glass that can beeasily cleaned. This necessitates the need for cleaning the displayscreen without degrading the screen surface. Commonly used cleaningrags, such as scrap clothes, paper towels, handkerchiefs and the like,scratch the screen surface. Therefore, it is desired to provide acleaning member that is economical and suited for cleaning modem displayscreens. It is a further desire to provide a cleaning member that can bekept readily available at the display screen.

[0005] Often it is desired by businesses to provide novelty items thatcarry advertising material thereon. For example, clocks or squeezablemuscle relaxers may be given away at conventions or business functionsthat include a particular business name and/or logo and other usefulinformation. Other more useful items such as pens, letter openers ormagnets may be distributed. At times these items are sold in companyshops or on the Internet. However, these items typically are throw a wayitems, or items that do not remain in a work area where they may be themost effective for advertising purposes. It is therefore desired toprovide a novelty item that is representative of a consumer product inconjunction with providing a work area purpose.

[0006] It is therefore desired to provide a novel advertising itemshaped to resemble a product having a use suited for a work area. It isfurther desired to provide a shape-imitating container having anaccessible chamber adapted for holding utensils. It is a still furtherdesire to provide a shape-imitating container having a cleaning memberconnected to an exterior thereof for cleaning a display screen. It is anadditional desire to provide a shape-imitating container that may beconnected to another object such as a display monitor when not beingutilized.

SUMMARY

[0007] It is thus one feature of the present invention to provide anovel advertising item shaped to resemble a product having a use suitedfor a work area.

[0008] It is a further feature of the present invention to provide ashape-imitating container having an accessible chamber adapted forholding utensils.

[0009] It is a still further feature of the present invention to providea shape-imitating container having a cleaning member connected to anexterior thereof for cleaning a display screen.

[0010] It is a still further feature of the present invention to providea shape-imitating container that may be connected to another object suchas a display monitor when not being utilized.

[0011] Accordingly, a screen cleaning and utensil container shaped tosimulate a consumer product package is provided. The screen cleaning andutensil container includes a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and atop wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exteriorsurface, the body forming at least one internal compartment adapted forstoring utensils, the top wall forming a top opening in connection withthe internal compartment and at least one cleaning member for cleaning adisplay screen is connected to a portion of the surface.

[0012] The exterior surface may be constructed of various materialscapable of maintaining a form simulating a product or product package.For example, the body may be formed to simulate a motor fluid container,beverage can or bottle, spice container, soup can or other product orproduct packaging.

[0013] The top wall of the body forms at least one opening into aninternal container for storing items. The body may form more than onecompartment. It may be desired to have a separate opening formed througha top or side wall into each compartment.

[0014] The screen cleaning and utensil container includes at least onedisplay screen cleaning member. The screen cleaner member may be formedof numerous materials suitable for various screen types. It may bedesired to utilize an optical grade cleaning member. It may be desiredto include more than one cleaning member connected to the body. Forexample, it may be desired to have a bristle type cleaner and a chamoistype cleaner that is more adapted to absorb fluid from the screen.

[0015] It may also be desired to include a securing mechanism forremovably securing the screen cleaning and utensil container to anobject such as a monitor, desk, file cabinet or the like.

[0016] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features andtechnical advantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a more complete understanding of the present invention andthe advantages thereof, reference is now made to the followingdescriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a front view of the screen cleaner and utensil containerof the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a top view of the screen cleaner and utensil containerof the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I of FIG. 2;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the screen cleanerand utensil container of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a top view of the screen cleaner and utensil containerof FIG. 4;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of FIG. 4;and

[0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a monitor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are notnecessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements aredesignated by the same reference numeral through the several Figures.

[0026]FIG. 1 is a front view of the screen cleaner and utensil containerof the present invention, generally designated by the numeral 10. Screencleaner and utensil container 10 includes a shaped body 12 having anexterior surface 14, a cleaning element 16 and a connecting mechanism17.

[0027] Shaped body 12 is constructed of a substantially rigid materialso as to withstand use and avoid affecting the operation of adjacentelectronic equipment. It is desired to utilize plastics due toavailability and economics in production and shipping. Shaped body 12 isformed to simulate a desired consumer product and may be constructed innumerous known methods such as, but not limited to, injection moldingand stamping. As shown in FIG. 1, shaped body 12 is constructed tosimulate a fluid container that may contain motor oil or another typelubricant. Shaped body 12 may be formed to simulate any consumer packagesuch as beverage containers, spice containers, milk packages and otherproduct packages that are well recognized.

[0028] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, shaped container 12includes sidewalls 18, bottom wall 20 and a top wall 22 forming theshaped body 12. As recognized from FIG. 1, sidewalls 18 may be formed inmany configurations including sloped sections, opposing parallel walls,and/or arcuate sections forming an exterior surface 14 simulating aproduct package. Top wall 22 forms at least one opening 24 allowingaccess to a chamber 26 (FIGS. 2 and 3) formed within body 12.

[0029] A portion of exterior surface 14 may have indicia 28 placedand/or produced thereon. Indicia 28 may take many forms including logos,trademarks, office location and contact information, or otherinformation desired to be presented to a holder of screen cleaner andutensil container 10.

[0030] Cleaning element 16 is connected along a portion of sidewall 18of body 12. Cleaning element 16 may be connected to body 12 in manymanners known to those in the relevant art(s) such as molding andadhesive. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 cleaning element 16 is a bristletype cleaning element for removing dust from a display screen 32 (FIG.7). Cleaning element 16 may be formed of other materials that are suitedfor cleaning glass and desirably of an optical grade quality. Examplesof these materials include leather, such as that made of sheepskin orlambskin, and known as chamois. Chamois is well recognized for its waterabsorbent properties and lens cleaning applications.

[0031] Screen cleaner and utensil container 10 may further include aremovable securing mechanism 17 connected to exterior surface 14.Removable securing means 17 may be of the hook and fastener system ofthe type referred to by the trademark VELCRO. Securing mechanism mayinclude other known securing mechanisms such as, but not limited to,snaps and an individual hook connectable to an individual loop. Oneportion of securing mechanism 17 a is connected to body 12 and acorresponding securing mechanism 17 b is connected to another objectsuch as the side of a monitor 34 (FIG. 7). Most commonly 17 a and 17 bare connected by an adhesive.

[0032]FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of screen cleaner andutensil container 10 of the present invention. As shown, top openings 24and 24 a are formed through top wall 22 into chamber 26 and 26 arespectively. Chamber 26 and top opening 24 provide means for storingutensils such as pens, pencils, letter openers and the like.

[0033]FIG. 2 further discloses a body 12 having two chambers 24 and 24 aformed thereon. It is apparent that more than one chamber 26 may beprovided to accommodate the storage of various utensils.

[0034]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line I-I of FIG. 2.FIG. 3 illustrates an interior wall 30 separating a first chamber 26from a second chamber 26 a. As illustrated, container 10 may beconstructed to include more than one chamber 26, each chamber 26 incommunication with another and/or separated.

[0035]FIG. 4 is an embodiment of screen cleaner and utensil container 10of the present invention. Body 12 is formed to resemble a substantiallycylindrical beverage can. Top wall 22 and bottom wall 20 having asmaller diameter than body 12 formed by sidewalls 18.

[0036]FIG. 5 is a top view of screen cleaner and utensil container 10. Atop opening 24 is formed through top wall 22 accessing chamber 26. Asshown in FIG. 5 only one chamber 26 is available, however additionalinterior walls 30 (FIG. 3) may be formed to defined separate chambers26.

[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment utilizing two cleaning elements16 and 16 a. Cleaning element 16 is a bristle type cleaner adapted forcleaning dust off of a screen 32 (FIG. 7). Cleaning element 16 a is achamois type cleaning element that is more suited for absorbing fluidsthat may be on screen 32. Cleaning elements 16 and 16 a may be used inconjunction, or either one may be utilized singularly as represented inFIGS. 1 and 2.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II of FIG. 5.FIG. 6 illustrates access to compartment 26 via top opening 24. FIG. 6also illustrates chamber 26 extending from top wall 22 approximately tobottom wall 20. The depth of chamber 26 may vary depending on theoverall dimensions of screen brush and utensil container 10.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a monitor 34 representative of thetype used with a computer or terminal. Monitor 34 includes a displayscreen 32 carried by a housing 36. A releasable securing mechanism 17 bis shown connected to housing 36.

[0040] Although the present invention and its advantages have beendescribed in relation to the illustrated embodiments it should beunderstood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A screen cleaning and utensil containercomprising: a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shapedto simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface; said bodyforming at least one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils,said top wall forming a top opening in connection with said internalcompartment; and at least one cleaning member for cleaning a displayscreen connected to a portion of said exterior surface.
 2. The screencleaning and utensil container of claim 1, wherein said first cleaningmember is a bristle type brush.
 3. The screen cleaning and utensilcontainer of claim 1, wherein said first cleaning member is a leathertype member.
 4. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 1,wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and furtherincluding a second leather type cleaning member connected to saidexterior surface.
 5. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim1, further including: a first connecting member connected to a portionof said exterior surface; and a second corresponding connecting memberin connection with another object for removably connecting said body tosaid object.
 6. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 5,wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.
 7. Thescreen cleaning and utensil container of claim 5, wherein said firstcleaning member is a leather type member.
 8. The screen cleaning andutensil container of claim 5, wherein said first cleaning means is abristle type brush; and further including a second leather type cleaningmember connected to said exterior surface.
 9. A screen cleaning andutensil container comprising: a body having a sidewall, bottom wall anda top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product having an exteriorsurface; said body forming at least one internal compartment adapted forstoring utensils, said top wall forming a top opening in connection withsaid internal compartment; at least one cleaning member for cleaning adisplay screen connected to a portion of said exterior surface; a firstconnecting member connected to a portion of said exterior surface; and asecond corresponding connecting member in connection with another objectfor removably connecting said body to said object.
 10. The screencleaning and utensil container of claim 9, wherein said first cleaningmember is a bristle type brush.
 11. The screen cleaning and utensilcontainer of claim 9, wherein said first cleaning member is a leathertype member.
 12. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 9,wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and furtherincluding a second leather type cleaning member connected to saidexterior surface.
 13. A screen cleaning and utensil containercomprising: a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shapedto simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface; indiciapositioned on a portion of said exterior surface; said body forming atleast one internal compartment adapted for storing utensils, said topwall forming a top opening in connection with said internal compartment;at least a first cleaning member for cleaning a display screen connectedto a portion of said exterior surface; a first connecting memberconnected to a portion of said exterior surface; and a secondcorresponding connecting member in connection with another object forremovably connecting said body to said object.
 14. The screen cleaningand utensil container of claim 13, wherein said first cleaning member isa bristle type brush.
 15. The screen cleaning and utensil container ofclaim 13, wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.16. The screen cleaning and utensil container of claim 13, wherein saidfirst cleaning means is a bristle type brush; and further including asecond leather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.17. A method of making a shape imitating screen cleaning and utensilcontainer comprising the steps of: forming a body having a sidewall,bottom wall and a top wall shaped to simulate a consumer product havingan exterior surface, said body forming at least one internal compartmentfor storing utensils accessible through a top opening defined by saidtop wall; and connecting at least one cleaning member for cleaning adisplay screen to a portion of said exterior surface.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.19. The method of claim 17, wherein said first cleaning member is aleather type member.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein said firstcleaning means is a bristle type brush; and further including a secondleather type cleaning member connected to said exterior surface.
 21. Themethod of claim 17, further including: a first connecting memberconnected to a portion of said exterior surface; and a secondcorresponding connecting member in connection with another object forremovably connecting said body to said object.
 22. The method of claim21, wherein said first cleaning member is a bristle type brush.
 23. Thescreen cleaning and utensil container of claim 21, wherein said firstcleaning member is a leather type member.
 24. The screen cleaning andutensil container of claim 21, wherein said first cleaning means is abristle type brush; and further including a second leather type cleaningmember connected to said exterior surface.
 25. A method of making ashape imitating screen cleaning and utensil container comprising thesteps of: forming a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wallshaped to simulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, saidbody forming at least one internal compartment for storing utensilsaccessible through a top opening defined by said top wall; connecting atleast one cleaning member for cleaning a display screen to a portion ofsaid exterior surface; connecting a first securing member connected to aportion of said exterior surface; and connecting a second securingmember in connection with another object for removably connecting saidbody to said object.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein said firstcleaning member is a bristle type brush.
 27. The method of claim 25,wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.
 28. Themethod of claim 25, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle typebrush; and further including a second leather type cleaning memberconnected to said exterior surface.
 29. A method of making a shapeimitating screen cleaning and utensil container comprising the steps of:forming a body having a sidewall, bottom wall and a top wall shaped tosimulate a consumer product having an exterior surface, said bodyforming at least one internal compartment for storing utensilsaccessible through a top opening defined by said top wall; formingindicia on a portion of said exterior surface; connecting at least onecleaning member for cleaning a display screen to a portion of saidexterior surface; connecting a first securing member connected to aportion of said exterior surface; and connecting a second securingmember in connection with another object for removably connecting saidbody to said object.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein said firstcleaning member is a bristle type brush.
 31. The method of claim 29,wherein said first cleaning member is a leather type member.
 32. Themethod of claim 29, wherein said first cleaning means is a bristle typebrush; and further including a second leather type cleaning memberconnected to said exterior surface.